This Is Our Story

A contemporary YA legal thriller told in alternating perspectives.

Five close friends are forever changed after a hunting accident claims the life of one of their own. They were all hungover, maybe even still drunk and high in those early-morning hours when Grant Perkins was shot. None of them were completely innocent, and even though they claim not to know who pulled the trigger, all four remaining River Point Boys now face charges of negligent homicide. The only way for all of them to get out of this is if they stick together, corroborate their story, and admit nothing.
Kate Marino and her mom have been working … and covering … for the aging Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Stone, whose vision is deteriorating rapidly. Mr. Stone’s normal cases include domestic disputes and hot checks, until the biggest case their small Louisiana town has seen is dropped in his lap. As Mr. Stone’s “eyes” in the courtroom and his “ears” at school, Kate has unique insight into the case. But Kate is keeping her own secrets – and she’s determined to find out the truth about what happened that morning at River Point.

THIS IS OUR STORY is a tense legal thriller that alternates between two narrators — the unnamed River Point Boy who pulled the trigger, and the girl who wants justice no matter the cost.

Good news

Finalist in the Florida Teen Reads Award 2018-2019

VOYA Perfect 10

Starred review in School Library Connection

“This mesmerizing romantic mystery is bursting with plot twists and turns that will leave the reader highly satisfied and wishing they had not yet finished the book.”

The Author

Ashley Elston

Ashley Elston’s novels are always addictive and page-turning! Her debut, THE RULES FOR DISAPPEARING, was followed by a sequel, and a standalone novel – THIS IS OUR STORY – followed in 2016. THE LYING WOODS, recipient of several starred reviews, published in 2018. In 2019 Ashley follows up with a deliciously fun rom-com, TEN BLIND DATES — the perfect read for the holiday season! All her books are published by Disney-Hyperion.

She has a Liberal Arts degree from Louisiana State University and worked for many years as a wedding/ portrait photographer. She is also a licensed landscape horticulturist. Ashley lives in Shreveport, Louisiana with her husband and three sons.